Infectious Smile Shotgun: Stats, Locations, and Escape Mechanics
The shotgun in Infectious Smile functions as a high-impact secondary firearm that knocks down Smilers at close range. It spawns across specific rooms, carries limited ammunition, and allows grabbed players to break free from enemy holds.
The shotgun in Infectious Smile functions as a high-impact secondary firearm that knocks down Smilers at close range. It spawns across specific rooms, carries limited ammunition, and allows grabbed players to break free from enemy holds.
Players encounter this firearm as a collectible weapon scattered across stage rotations rather than an item sold by Rob at spawn. Understanding where it spawns, how its spread functions, and when to spend its scarce rounds determines whether a human survives unexpected encounters.
Shotgun Stats and Core Mechanics
The shotgun is modeled after the H&K FP6 and features a distinct pump action when equipped. Unlike default melee gear found in the store, the shotgun provides burst knockdown deterrence rather than sustained swinging power.
In standard combat, the weapon carries an ammunition capacity of three shells. Each shot fires multiple pellets that deal up to 33 damage depending on how many connect with the target. While overall damage remains secondary compared to continuous melee weapons, the primary strength lies in its ability to immediately topple Smilers. Landing a direct blast interrupts approaching enemies, providing valuable seconds to retreat or switch weapons.
Because ammunition depletes after three shots, treating the shotgun as an ordinary combat firearm quickly empties your inventory. Players achieve better results by reserving shells for self-defense or pairing a knockdown blast with a fast follow-up hit from a bat or a bottle.
Escaping Smiler Grabs
Smilers frequently attempt to catch and infect humans in narrow corridors. While tools like the knife serve as standard escape options, firing a shotgun functions as a powerful alternative.
When a Smiler grabs your character, pulling the trigger discharges a shell into the attacker. A successful blast forces the Smiler to release you and knocks them to the ground. In the 2024 Summer Update, developers added a rule where weapon cooldown triggers after using an escape tool, meaning players must immediately sprint away rather than spamming continuous melee hits.
Targeting can prove erratic while grabbed, especially if the camera shifts rapidly. Saving shells specifically for grab escapes ensures you do not waste rounds on missed long-range shots. If you also carry a handgun, using the shotgun first preserves the handgun's higher bullet count for clearing distant threats.
Map Spawn Locations
Because the shotgun cannot be selected as a permanent spawn loadout, players must locate it across rotating maps. Several distinct stages contain reliable spawns:
- Shotgun Access: The stage features a central hallway divided by metal gates, with a control room on one side and the shotgun chamber on the other. Enter the control room, ascend the beige truss ladder, drop down through the hole into the opposite room, and retrieve the gun from the wall.
- Desolate Shelter: Added in the Summer 2024 update, this two-tier bunker features a fixed shotgun pickup along with other gear like the hatchet and speed potions.
- Lockers: The dark gray cabinet inside this multi-floor stage contains shotguns that up to 10 players can collect on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Laser Cave: A chest requiring a white key sits on the surface area, granting a shotgun once unlocked.
- Shaky Magma: Reaching the weapon requires navigating a stone obstacle course while monitoring timed lava surges.
- Isolated Mineshaft Industry: The complex lower tunnels and trap rooms feature shotgun pickups that players can retrieve while navigating lift systems.
- Cargo Shipment: Rail containers opened by button interactions occasionally contain shotguns, though Smilers also hide inside the same crates.
Tactical Weapon Decision Guide
Selecting the appropriate tool depends on current server conditions, enemy numbers, and inventory status.
| Weapon Option | Ideal Situation | Trade-offs to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Breaking free from sudden grabs or knocking down rushing Smilers | Holds only 3 shells and breaks after ammunition runs out |
| Katana | Running through open areas and farming coins against swarms | Deals low damage per strike and provides negligible stun |
| Tommy Gun | Defending tight choke points or confronting a hostile Giant | Rare spawn requiring complex codes or green key access |
Collecting the Shotgun for Badges
The shotgun is mandatory for unlocking the Obtained All Weapons In One Life badge. This challenge requires gathering the ice potion, invisibility potion, hatchet, shotgun, handgun, knife, bat, and bottle simultaneously without dying.
Securing the shotgun early simplifies the run. After grabbing the bat and bottle at the starting point, keep an eye on stage transitions. When a stage like Shotgun Access or Desolate Shelter appears, retrieve the firearm and retreat to spawn or a safe zone until the map timer cycles toward the next required item.